The McGowan Government is offering $200,000 in community grants to support the introduction of Western Australia’s Container Deposit Scheme, Containers for Change.

Not-for-profit organisations, schools and community groups can apply for a grant of up to $2000 to help infrastructure at donation or refund points. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will be administering the grants, which can be used for any infrastructure needs, such as bins, cages, skips, security stands, fences, tippers, sorting equipment and trailers.

Applications for the grants close Friday, 27 March. Priority will be given to applicants providing employment for people with disabilities, long-term unemployment and regional areas.

Community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals are now able to register for their ‘Scheme ID’, which allows refunds to go directly into an organisation or individuals nominated bank account. To sign up visit the Containers for Change website.

For more information about the Container Deposit Scheme community grants, visit DWER Website.

Local Government services, education and engagement – provision of better practice FOGO services by Local Governments; engagement and education actions to support correct recycling and disposal behaviours by households.

The Western Australia Return Recycle Renew (WARRRL) is organising Community Information Sessions across WA about the soon-to-be implemented Container Deposit Scheme, set to commence on Tuesday, 2 June.

These sessions, held in March to May, will provide information and advice to consumers about Containers for Change process and how community members can get involved.

The Waste Municipal Advisory Council (MWAC) has supported the released of the Plastics Reduction Paper, a review of Local Government Practices on single-use plastics (SUP).

The Plastics Reduction Paper aims to provide information on the impacts SUP products on the environment, the role of Local Government in addressing the issue and the options for managing these impacts. The Paper also investigates the ways Local Government have taken to address the SUP products in their operations and within the community.

New to the industry or just need a waste refresher? WALGA is hosting a workshop and tour on Friday, 27 March to give you Waste 101.

This workshop and tour is an opportunity to cram a day full of different waste experiences – whether you’re new to the industry or just need a bit of a refresher course - and is perfect for Local Government Officers and Elected Members who want a solid understanding of waste management issues.

After the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the SMRC Regional Resource Recovery Centre, then head off for a behind-the-scenes look at the City of Cockburn Henderson Resource Recovery Park.

The Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) is a standing committee of WALGA with delegated authority on municipal waste issues. MWAC's membership includes the major Regional Councils (waste management), making MWAC a unique forum through which all the major Local Government waste management organisations cooperate.

Want to share your waste management successes, promote a new project, have a key question answered or collaborate with other Local Governments? We want to include your waste management issues in this newsletter.